A war memorial in Sheffield and two others in South Yorkshire have been listed to preserve them for future generations.

Ecclesfield War Memorial was awarded Grade II status to reflect its standing as a 'nationally significant' monument, said Historic England.

Silkstone War Memorial, in Barnsley, and Brinsworth and Canklow War Memorial, in Rotherham, both received the same recognition.

Their elevated status was announced on Armistice Day - Friday, November 11 - as people gathered at war memorials across the country to pay their respects.

Historic England described the memorials as a 'poignant physical reminder' of the First World War, in which more than a million Britons lost their lives.

The public body, tasked with preserving the nation's heritage, has pledged to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018 - a century since the guns fell silent.

It wants members of the public to nominate their local memorials for protection to ensure the human sacrifice of that and future conflicts is 'never forgotten'.

Roger Bowdler, Historic England's director of listing, said: "Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake.

"These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country's sacrifice and struggle."

Historic England has teamed up with the War Memorials Trust, Civic Voice and the Imperial War Museums to help communities appreciate and look after their local memorials, with up to £2 million available to conserve the cherished local landmarks.

Ecclesfield War Memorial, which stands outside the Church of St Mary, was unveiled in 1921 to commemorate 54 local servicemen who died during the First World War.

The names of 36 people killed in the Second World War and one in the Falklands War were later added to the distinctive limestone monument, which features a wheel-head cross with Celtic-style knotwork design.

Silkstone War Memorial, which was completed in 1922, was paid for by villagers to honour the 14 local men who died in action during the First World War.

Brinsworth and Canklow War Memorial, in the grounds of St George's Church, was also funded by the local community and was unveiled in 1923.